We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kate Peabody a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I consider myself an “intuition junkie,” always looking for new ways to connect with myself and help my coaching clients build self-awareness. For a number of years now, I’ve been working with tarot and the runes as a way to kick-off reflection and journaling sessions for myself. Like meditation, working with tarot and runes helps us tap into our subconscious mind; to draw on our experiences, emotions and inner wisdom to guide us.
Over the years I’ve pulled cards or cast runes with many friends and life coaching clients who I discovered were “into that sort of thing,” leading to eye-opening conversations. Blending the ancient wisdom of the runes; psychological symbols and archetypes of tarot; and modern coaching techniques helps clients tap into their inner wisdom, gain clarity, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose. (This is not a “psychic reading.” As in all coaching sessions, it is YOU who has the answers.)
It was only last year, though, that after a runes-based coaching session I had the idea to capture what I was hearing in a visual form. I completed a digital doodle of the reading, and sent it along with the video of the drawing coming to life, to my client. As someone who has been doodling all my life and doesn’t think much of it, I was surprised by the powerful reaction the drawing received. It was indeed worth a thousand or more words.
“Wow – this is so so special. I LOVE the digital artwork and the very special words you chose to include. It’s super powerful and I will print/frame this as an ongoing reminder of the purpose we unearthed in our session. Thank you for being such an incredibly powerful presence in my life, and helping me on this journey of self-love/self-discovery!” — Jordan
With their reaction, I felt a culmination of my personal experiences, talents and skills flooding into a single activity and service/product offering that would constantly bring me into flow and fulfillment. I could not only provide tarot and runes-based coaching sessions, but also, art. Something I have always dreamed about.
Fast forward to today, and I’m giddy to not only be doing the coaching work I love, but also to be creating custom artwork that people want to hang in their homes so they can be reminded of their big aha’s for a lifetime. I’ve been able to marry my love for helping others through coaching with my love for making – and nothing feels more meaningful than that!
“The tarot and runes-based session helped me feel grounded and gave me a chance to slow down and focus on myself for a few precious minutes. The reading was spot on and helped me connect with where I am right now, making me feel empowered and refreshed. Adding art as a visual gave me a chance to focus my wandering mind on something specific and tuned in to my reading and my journey. 10/10 recommend to anyone!”— Katie
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up in Colorado, a perfectionist determined to get all the education and have an amazing career. By the age of 30, I was in a Director of Communications role and making the salary I always imagined – but I certainly was not healthy or happy. So I left the corporate communications world after a decade due to burnout, and with curiosity of how I could use my skills and passions differently.
With the help of a career coach, I discovered that everything I love about consulting – asking questions to help people see their situation and themselves differently, so they can take empowered action to make the change they desire – is the core of the life coaching profession. I threw myself into a positive-psychology-based coach training program, became certified by the International Coaching Federation, and have now been coaching for eight years.
My other big form of burnout recovery was getting back in touch with my artistic roots and personal self expression (not just expression on behalf of a brand). I have formal fine arts training, as well as a passion for arts and crafts that I’ve fueled since childhood. As creativity – whether we’re talking making art or problem solving – is my top strength, it made sense to bring the creativity and design-thinking into my coaching with clients. That’s how KaptivateMe, LLC was born.
Today I work as a creative life, leadership, career and business coach, helping people live the life they’ve only just started dreaming about. I provide hourly coaching on the topics that matter most to the client, or have a three-month “curriculum” that takes a human-centered-design approach to support people in: getting in touch with who they are today – their strengths, values and mindsets; envisioning and prioritizing their biggest goals and dreams; and mapping an actionable, accountable path forward. I’m also providing business coaching for artists and makers at the Clear Creek Makerspace.
I incorporate visualizations, mind mapping, affinity mapping, inner critic and inner BFF drawing, tarot, runes, and other hands-on-activities into sessions. We work together to help them get out of their own way (quiet that inner critic) and into better situations so they can create and live an authentic, meaningful life. Learning how to connect with their intuition to support decision-making, self-awareness, problem-solving and enhance relationships is central. Feeling stuck, stressed, like something is missing, that happiness is blocked or you can’t get traction – are all signs that the inner critic might be getting the best of you. And there is another way!
At KaptivateMe, we are committed to:
– EMPOWER VULNERABILITY by co-creating safe, trusting, courageous environments with client(s) by being OPEN
– 100% DEEP LISTENING FOCUS on the client when we’re together, with CONSISTENT, CLEAR & CHEERFUL communication always
– Earn GRATITUDE through POSITIVE, co-active coaching, relationship and action development
– PUSH CLIENTS to think big, get out of their story, get hands on and creative, and focus on what matters most for their individual journey
– FOSTER connections and community to build the support network we all need to reach our goals and best self
I love being a coach – my clients say they find a new, positive perspective and shift in energy; are acting instead of just wondering; feel confident and in-the-moment; know their purpose and what’s next for them; set boundaries that take their life back; better manage their emotions and time; how to live their best life with no regrets; and more.
“One of the things I value about Kate is just how vast her expertise is – meaning she can help with anything from executive career coaching to self-discovery to work-life balance to life coaching to quieting the inner critic and building a life of peace and fulfillment. I am amazed by the vast amount of resources and support she can provide across so many areas. Not to mention her amazing compassion and empathy – she’s a tireless cheerleader for her clients.” — Ileana
I’m so grateful for my clients who put their trust into me and the coaching process, and who put in the work to make real change in their lives and our communities. There is nothing better for me than seeing my clients grow in their love and confidence in themselves, and celebrating with them as they make intentional shifts.
“The values and mindset work was everything….changed everything. I’m working out again. I’m meaningfully connecting with my team and peers again. I stood up to management for my values and what I believe to be the best for our clients, team and company. I feel so much better already – and my wife can tell!” — Phil
“Yes, Kate helped me work through all the details of starting my own business. More importantly she worked with me to build my confidence. She gave me the support I needed to keep going and realize I had it in me all along to be successful. I am so grateful for all of the tools Coach Kate has given me to be able to achieve my dreams. Now I feel that no matter what changes or challenges come my way I’m going to be able to handle it. She helped me find the strength I needed to be a success. I am so grateful for the way she guided me through a tough time so that I could come out the other side a stronger, more capable person.” –Jess
In addition to coaching, I’m an artist myself. My biggest challenge to being a “full-time, professional artist” has always been focus, as I love so many different mediums and am always full of new ideas. Sewing, cross stitching, weaving, clay sculpting, painting, charcoal, using resin, and digital art are all part of my toolbox. I’m learning 3D printing and how to use laser cutters. I’ve begun providing digital drawings/doodles after coaching sessions to help clients keep their take-aways in focus visually.
I’ve also recently renewed my love for the Lite Brite thanks to their wall art kit, and now find myself creating custom Lite Brite art. I create the designs digitally before putting together the physical piece, tailoring the peg colors and 3D printing as needed. I’ve been playing around with not only “designs from my mind,” but also recreating family photos. I’m going to start building my own “canvases” so final pieces can be any scale (right now I max out at 16″ x 16″). I’m excited to get more pieces into homes and businesses – such as cafes, bars, breweries, plant shops and tattoo parlors – that love the “dopamine decor” or are looking for alternatives to custom neon.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
1. Appreciate, highlight and celebrate the significant positive impact maker businesses have on the local economy, community and quality of life: job creation, supply chain support, economic diversity, tourism and cultural appeal, community engagement, innovation.
2. Buy local, or direct from the artist, to help makers get the highest return on their unique product and reduce the amount of unsustainable, fast-fashion art being created. Avoid purchasing mass-produced art or goods. It may be more expensive, but the quality and exclusivity will reflect the price and you’ll know exactly who is earning your money.
3.Support arts education for youth, whether the individual wants to become a professional artist or not. Not only do participants get to express themselves and gain insight into the creative process to value work they see in the future, but also a 2015 study by the Colorado Creative Industries measuring access to arts education across Colorado revealed that public high schools offering arts education have higher scores on state tests in reading, writing and science – regardless of student ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Teach children that if they do become a professional artist, they can have a career of: pursuing their passion; flexibility and independence; creative expression; personal fulfillment; lifelong learning; and societal contribution.
4. Integrate marketing and business management basics into higher education art programs. We must set artists and makers up for long-term business success in addition to helping them finesse their craft.
5.Invest in spaces for creatives where they have access to equipment; room to work (and get messy); people to learn from and collaborate with; and support to start and scale their business. The new Clear Creek Makerspace (CCM clearcreekmakerspace.com) is a great example. CCM is a 7,300 sqft community workshop powered by Localworks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, with the goal to provide tools, equipment, and community resources to take away the barriers keeping people from exploring a new hobby, starting a new business, or taking their existing pursuits to the next level. You can find woodworking, crafting/textiles, metalwork, advanced prototyping (think 3D printing), and much more. CCM provides lounge areas to mingle, conference and training rooms to come up with the next great idea, classes to help you get your business idea off the ground, and online resources to give and receive advice, find business partners, and of course, make some new friends! Thanks to Localworks and the Growing U Program, I am there providing creative life, career and business coaching to help bridge the gap between budding entrepreneurs and small business owners. CCM recognizes that among those who make use of Makerspaces, and based on statistics from the maker phenomenon, a significant portion of this demographic may not have received the necessary educational resources to transform their hobbies or passions into careers that can sustain themselves and their families.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
“You can’t make a living as an artist” was a phrase I heard repeated my whole childhood, and I still hear from the general community and those who seek to become full time artists. This “lesson” – this limiting mindset – was passed down by previous generations, stemming from several historical and socio-economic factors.
For instance, historically, artists relied on patronage from the wealthy or the church to sustain their work. This system limited opportunities and made art a luxury, not a profession for the masses. In addition, before the 19th century, there were few galleries or venues where artists could sell their work directly to the public. Art was often commissioned for specific purposes rather than bought and sold as a commodity.
The Industrial Revolution turned that on its head, prioritizing mass production and utilitarianism over individual craftsmanship and artistry. This shift made it harder for individual artists to find a market for their unique works.
For much of our history, artistic professions have been seen as less stable or respectable compared to trades or professions like law, medicine, or business. Traditional education systems often did not include art as a viable career path, leading to a lack of formal training and recognition.
And of course, additional barriers related to racial and gender discrimination were aplenty. They were excluded from formal training, guilds and career opportunities. Lacked representation in museums, galleries and art institutions; limiting their exposure and opportunities to sell their work or gain recognition. Or if their work was shown, it was stereotyped rather than being appreciated for its artistic value. Societal norms often relegated women to domestic roles, viewing their artistic endeavors as hobbies rather than legitimate careers.
Very gratefully, thanks to changes in the modern era, today you CAN make a living as an artist. In fact, the contemporary art market is more inclusive and accessible than ever before. The internet and social media have revolutionized how artists can reach and directly engage their audience. Platforms like Instagram, Etsy, and Patreon allow artists to showcase their work to a global audience and sell directly to consumers. The growth of art fairs, galleries, and online marketplaces has made it easier for artists to sell their work.
Modern artists can also diversify their income through various channels such as merchandise, online courses, commissions, licensing their work, and more. The rise of digital art and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) has created new revenue streams and markets for artists. Increased global connectivity means artists can tap into markets and trends worldwide, not just in their local areas.
There are more grants, residencies, and fellowships available to artists now, providing financial support and opportunities for career development. Platforms like Kickstarter allow artists to crowdfund their projects directly from supporters.
In general, there has been a cultural shift towards valuing creativity and individuality, which has increased demand for unique, handmade, or bespoke art pieces. (Let’s make sure we reflect that value shift with art programs in schools!)
Efforts to diversify and include more women and artists of color at educational institutions; in exhibitions and collections; with awards and grants; with supportive networks and organizations that provide resources, mentorship and platforms for exposure – are active. (AND, challenges remain. We must stay committed to dismantling systemic barriers to create a more just and inclusive art world.)
These changes have collectively contributed to a more sustainable and accessible career path for modern artists. This is a reminder I give myself, my clients, and my community every day. “I can make a living as an artist.” It just won’t happen overnight. You must be committed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaptivateme.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaptivateme
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaptivateme.coach/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateapeabody/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaptivateme
